Hello All/ Flooring ..What to do?

[JoeyJ]

First let me say hello to everyone on the forum. I've been reading and learning for weeks now. Much appreciated!

I just started to finish my 430 sq.ft. attached 2 car garage. Mini split system ordered for heat and air along with paint for the walls. The floors are another matter. They are about 10 years old never done with anything. They have a broom finish not a smooth finish making them soak up water pretty good. No big stains to deal with or cracks. The floors have expansion joints throughout. The middle joint is "bumped" up a bit and about 1/4 of an inch out of level. Just the joint not the whole floor.

I've was thinking of all possible floor treatments. Porcelain tiles, PVC Snap in tiles, G type mats and of course epoxy's and stains. Than factor in labor, time and cost and I feel like I'm chasing my tail! So I do have some question that might help me start eliminating choices.

1) Can I lay Racedeck or similar over that 1/4 unleveled surface? Will it stay together?

2) If I go the epoxy/stain route will I have to acid etch this rough floor?

3) If I go with Porcelain tile what would be a good leveling product to make up
that 1/4 or would it be better to grind it off?

4) What is a good colored stain and top coat to use that will be easy to apply.

Thanks all!

Joe

 

[SteveCh]

The Racedeck will hold together, though I believe the hump will be noticeable.

If the choice is to either grind down the hump or level the entire remainder of the floor, the "no-brainer" option it grind down the smaller area. Big job to raise the entire floor 1/4", if I am understanding your proposal.

Personally, I think that, regardless what your decision is, grinding down the hump is the way to go. Then, no matter what you choose as a flooring surface, you have a nice, level floor to work with.

 

[RaceDeck1]

Hi Joey,

RaceDeck is engineered to go over uneven and rough surfaces, you will not have any issues with the slight raise you are describing. We are more than happy to send you a sample and any other info you are looking for, feel free to contact RaceDeck Specialist Dunja at [email protected].

Thanks!

 

[Garage Flooring]

First let me say hello to everyone on the forum. I've been reading and learning for weeks now. Much appreciated!

I just started to finish my 430 sq.ft. attached 2 car garage. Mini split system ordered for heat and air along with paint for the walls. The floors are another matter. They are about 10 years old never done with anything. They have a broom finish not a smooth finish making them soak up water pretty good. No big stains to deal with or cracks. The floors have expansion joints throughout. The middle joint is "bumped" up a bit and about 1/4 of an inch out of level. Just the joint not the whole floor.

I've was thinking of all possible floor treatments. Porcelain tiles, PVC Snap in tiles, G type mats and of course epoxy's and stains. Than factor in labor, time and cost and I feel like I'm chasing my tail! So I do have some question that might help me start eliminating choices.

1) Can I lay Racedeck or similar over that 1/4 unleveled surface? Will it stay together?

2) If I go the epoxy/stain route will I have to acid etch this rough floor?

3) If I go with Porcelain tile what would be a good leveling product to make up
that 1/4 or would it be better to grind it off?

4) What is a good colored stain and top coat to use that will be easy to apply.

Thanks all!

Joe

Bringing the floor to level is the best option no matter what route you go. PVC tiles will span it and polypropylene (rigid) may, but a lot of factors come into play here -- for example where does the edge of the tile fall relative to the bump up and what if any weight will be on that area.

In either case you can make it work, just takes some planning.

 

[JoeyJ]

This bump I'm taking about runs the length of the garage on either side of the expansion joint. Meaning to say one time it's on the left side than maybe three feet it's on the other than back again. So because of this I don't believe the slab settled but rather was this way from the start. So if I decide to try to grid it level could I use an angle grinder with a 4 1/2 "diamond cup?? And if I do and decide only to do the bump wouldn't the garage finish differently? Maybe a stain and top coat would be the way to go??

Joe

 

[EpoxyCoat2]

2) If I go the epoxy/stain route will I have to acid etch this rough floor?

Even though you have a rough finish to the concrete, you will always want to clean and etch the concrete if you decide to go the epoxy route.
Because you have a bump at the expansion joint, you may want to just diamond grind your entire floor. This will help the bump issue, and will create a rough profile on your concrete, which is necessary when you apply a coating.

 

[JoeyJ]

O.K. What if I leave the bump. Is there a colored stain and sealer in one product? Because if I have to grid down the whole garage than as I see it I might as well go with the porcelain tile broken back and all and be done with it!

Joe

 

[FireTurtle]

For what it's worth, my decision came down to the idea that I may not live in this house forever even though I told my wife we were never moving again because I'm done with that mess. I decided on the locking tile route. If I ever do actually move, it goes with me. If I don't need it or can't use it at the next place then I can sell it on CL or fleaBay.
Unless you go the porcelain tile route, your not really going to add much if any market value to your house with the other permanent floor coatings. I would probably still grind the expansion joint down some with the diamond cup enough so that the tiles don't leave a noticeable bump.
That's just my logic though, I would prefer to take my toys with me.

 

[shaun oriold1]

I wouldnt be concerned with 1/4" over a half of a 2 car garage! 1/4" over 10' Thats acceptable in my books! And the fact that its raised makes it better then if it was a depression.

Put garage tiles down, and leave it. Epoxy, and leave it. Porcelain tiles. Maybe build it up with mortar if you really want to solve the issue.

Pick your battles...

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Even though you have a rough finish to the concrete, you will always want to clean and etch the concrete if you decide to go the epoxy route.

Etching prior to staining will kill any chance of bright colors.
Light sanding is a good idea and then stain, once neutralized and dry, seal it!

 

[JoeyJ]

Scotty,
Can you give me specific product numbers for the stain and sealer. As I said I have about 430 sq ft to do that has a rough broom finish to it.

Joe

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Scotty,

Can you give me specific product numbers for the stain and sealer. As I said I have about 430 sq ft to do that has a rough broom finish to it.



Joe

Legacy's Acid Stain
(2) coats Standard Epoxy Clear Sealer


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JoeyJ]

Not many colors. What about dyes. Is there a water based one that can be used than a gloss clear coat on top.?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

There are a few (wb dyes) on the market and I can tell you from experience they are hard to work with.

Acetone dye is an option and easier to make look good, IMO.

 

[JoeyJ]

Legacy's Acid Stain
(2) coats Standard Epoxy Clear Sealer

If I went this route do you have to wax your floor for the durability or will the clear sealer do the trick?

 

[JoeyJ]

Thanks everybody for the input. Special thanks to Scotty and Kayla. I did a 180 and decided to bite the bullet and go with a Porcelain tile floor.

 

[FireTurtle]

I bet that will look awesome. Make sure you post pics!

 

[JoeyJ]

Sure will.

 

[Dakota00]

decided to bite the bullet and go with a Porcelain tile floor.

Excellent choice!!